Colombo Fort •Sea Street (Pettah Market) • Wolvendaal Church • Sunset at Galle Face Green

On arrival you will be warmly welcomed by the representatives of Insight Indien and transferred to the hotel.

Afternoon enjoy a city tour in Colombo. Colombo is the business and commercial center and the new capital is Sri Jayawardhanapura Kotte, only a few miles away. Colombo was only a small seaport, which came into prominence in the 16th Century with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1505 and the development of it as a major harbor took place during the British period. Colombo became the capital of Sri Lanka in 1815 after the Kandyan Kingdom was ceded to the British. The remains of the buildings during the period of Portuguese, Dutch and British rule are found in every area of the city. None of the Portuguese & Dutch fortifications are found today but some of their buildings and churches could be seen in the Fort & Pettah areas. Visit Colombo Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area where there is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings and visit Wolvendaal Church as it is the most famous Dutch colonial church in Colombo and one of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka and spend the evening at Galle Face Green. Overnight stay at Hotel.

2 Nights in Colombo

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Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara • Gangaramaya Temple • Seema Malaka Temple • National Museum of Colombo • Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil

Today after the Breakfast we will visit Kelaniya Buddhist Temple dating to 6th C.B.C., The temple’s modern form, rebuilt under colonial and local rulers, harmonizes Kandyan and modern Sinhalese design elements. Its ornate image house contains murals painted by Soliyas Mendis (early 20th century) depicting scenes from Buddhist history and Sri Lankan culture.

Later head towards Gangaramaya Temple and Seema Malaka Temple as these are the prominent Buddhist temples and cultural landmarks in Colombo and straight to Colombo National Museum and the Natural History Museum are some of the sites to be visited. The museum’s 100,000 plus artifacts span prehistory to the colonial era. Highlights include the red-velvet throne and crown of the Kandyan kings, the 4th-century Toluwila Buddha, ancient rock inscriptions, jewelry, and demon masks used in ritual dance. Thematic galleries trace periods from Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa through Kandy and the British colonial era. The museum’s adjoining Natural History Museum (est. 1986) showcases Sri Lanka’s fauna, fossils, and geology Also visit the Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil Temple. It is one of the oldest and most prominent Hindu temples in Colombo, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. Overnight stay at a hotel in Colombo.

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West Coast Fishing Villages • Local Market Visit • Sacred Temple Mountain of Mihintale

After Breakfast you will leave the capital and set off to Anuradhapura on the way you will pass through small Fishing Villages such as Chillaw and Puttalam.

And you make a stopover at an authentic local market in a small town en route to Anuradhapura. You mingle with the locals going about their daily errands at the market and stroll past the various stalls. Your tour guide will be happy to explain the goods on offer and invite you to sample some local delicacies.

After reaching Anuradhapura and checking into your hotel, you ascend the temple mountain of Mihintale in the evening—just in time for the prayer ceremony—joining other pilgrims on their ascent. This is the sacred site where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka from India in the 3rd century BC. The gleaming white stupa, the multitude of devotees, and the sea of lotus blossoms and other offerings all bear witness to the profound significance of this place. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere as your guide introduces you to the tenets of Buddhism, and take the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent panoramic views stretching out across the vast landscape. Overnight stay at a hotel.

2 nights in Anuradhapura

(Distance: approx. 210 km; Driving time: approx. 4-5 hours)

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Stupas and Sites of the Ancient City (UNESCO World Heritage Site) • Sacred Bodhi Tree • Free Time

Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s first royal capital—a fact still attested to today by its many excavations, remnants, temples, and ruins, like Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Abhayagiri Vihara, Isurumuniya Temple and some others. The city’s most significant archaeological finds and temple complexes are scattered across a wide area, which you will explore this morning (a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of immense significance to Buddhists is the Bodhi Tree—a sapling of the sacred fig tree in India beneath which the first Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, is said to have attained enlightenment. You will learn how this sapling made its way to Sri Lanka later in the journey, during your visit to Jaffna.

In the afternoon, there is free time to explore the city on your own. Overnight stay at Hotel in Anuradhapura.

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Drive Through Kilinochchi and Elephant Pass • Nallur Kovil Hindu Temple • Stroll through the Bazaar • Dutch Fort

After Breakfast, Our destination begins for Jaffna—located approximately four hours away—the largest and most important city in the Northern Province. This Tamil-populated region was, at times during the civil war, completely cut off from the rest of the country; however, it is now once again easy to travel through. The route follows the historic A9 Highway through the former conflict zone of Northern Sri Lanka and offers a fascinating change in landscape, culture, language, architecture, and cuisine. On the way you will stop at some view Points and some passes like Kilinochchi and Elephant Pass. Elephant Pass also known as the "Gateway to Jaffna." It is a narrow land bridge in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka that connects the Jaffna Peninsula to the island’s mainland.

Here in Jaffna the population in the north is predominantly Tamils with their mostly Hindu faith, while the rest of the country is predominantly made up of more Buddhist-oriented Sinhalese. The Hindu influence can be seen throughout the city and also in the magnificent Nallur Kovil temple, which is said to be one of the most beautiful in the entire country and which you will visit today. You will also browse through the bazaar streets with the colorful range of goods and discover the Dutch Fort, which has witnessed many stories within the fortress walls, which your tour guide will be happy to tell you about. Visiting a local cafe, you will be served local snacks with various spiced chutneys on a banana leaf.

If you want, you can accompany the tour guide in the evening, who will be happy to show you a beautiful sunset spot. Or you can simply end your evening in a relaxed manner at the hotel.

2 nights in Jaffna

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The Jaffna Peninsula Point Pedro • Jaffna Public Library • Jaffna Clock Tower • Visit with a Tamil Family

Today after breakfast, we dedicate ourselves entirely to the atmospheric town of Jaffna and its surroundings, immersing yourselves in Tamil culture. Your first destination is Point Pedro, the northernmost tip of the island. The journey there—a scenic drive of well over an hour—is spectacular in itself, and we will make several stops along the way to take photos. Upon reaching Point Pedro, we find the coastline adorned with countless Sri Lankan flags—surely there could be no better backdrop for a group photo! A short drive then brings us to the ruins of St. Anthony’s Church. Together, you will explore Jaffna Public Library. It is one of the most famous libraries in South Asia and it stands as a symbol of Tamil cultural heritage and resilience, renowned for its neo-Mughal architecture and its tragic destruction and rebirth following the Sri Lankan civil conflict and then Jaffna Clock Tower. Erected in 1875 to commemorate the visit of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, it stands as a prominent colonial-era landmark and symbol of resilience in northern Sri Lanka.

And later you are welcomed as guests by a local Tamil family; with the assistance of our tour guide, you gain insight into their culture and the dark years of the civil war. Together, we prepare a traditional snack—and, of course, enjoy eating it—before the remainder of the day, from late afternoon onwards, is left free for your own independent exploration. Overnight stay at Hotel in Jaffna.

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Drive to the Pigeon Island • Buddhist Thiriyai Temple • Leisure time at the beach

Today after breakfast you will leave for Trincomalee. Here you will see traces of the colonial era. En route, you will make a stop for an active break to stretch your legs. Out in the countryside, you will take a walk through the rural landscape and climb approximately 300 steps to reach the hilltop ruins of the Buddhist Thiriyai Temple. This temple is believed to house Sri Lanka’s first Buddhist stupa—a truly authentic spot that few other tourists are likely to visit.

Afterwards, you continue your journey and reach the beaches of Trincomalee on the island's east coast. "Trinco" is the largest city on the east coast. Its beautiful natural harbor once attracted many European colonists and remains one of the island's most important ports due to its strategic location.

Upon arrival, you can spend the rest of the day strolling along the seashore, relaxing by the pool, and reflecting on your initial impressions of Sri Lanka. Overnight Stay at Hotel

2 nights in Trincomalee

(Driving distance: approx. 224 km; driving time: approx. 4-5 hours)

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Fort Frederick • Koneswaram Temple and a Puja ceremony

You have the entire morning free at this delightful spot at a fine sandy beach, blue waters, and a unique underwater world. Later you will visit Fort Frederick, situated near the lagoon and built by the Portuguese in 1623. At its tip lies the Koneswaram Temple — one of five Hindu temples dedicated to the god Shiva—which is said to protect the island from natural disasters. From here, we not only enjoy a magnificent view but also witness a traditional Puja ceremony. The atmosphere here is much more tranquil than at the Nallur Temple, and with the help of your tour guide, you have the opportunity to strike up conversations with the worshippers. Overnight stay at Hotel in Trincomalee.

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Walk along Habarana Lake • Visit to a local farmer and Lunch with a local family • Polonnaruwa, the second royal city (UNESCO World Heritage Site)with bicycle

Today after breakfast you will head inland to Sigiriya, a base for visiting many key attractions and home to wild elephants. Upon arrival, stretch your legs with a walk along Lake Habarana (an easy route of approx. 1 km, taking about 30 minutes), where you can spot numerous birds and butterflies. Your destination is the farm of a local rural family. There you will get to know about their daily lives and they will demonstrate how they protect their crops from wild elephants.

In the afternoon, you will visit a UNESCO World Heritage site: the ruined city of Polonnaruwa. Once the kingdom's second capital, it lay overgrown by jungle for 500 years. Today, this provincial town—which has a rather sleepy atmosphere—offers beautiful scenery alongside magnificent, intricately designed monuments, including the royal palace and a host of impressive Buddha statues and stupas.

Here we set off on bicycles to explore some of the archaeological treasures (approx. 3 km, easy ride). The significant structures from the golden age of Buddhist culture (11th–13th centuries) are well-preserved, as Polonnaruwa was long overgrown by lush jungle, which protected the buildings. We cycle the short distances between the temples, stupas, statues, and tombs, immersing ourselves in the glory of the past through our guide's stories. The four Buddha statues carved from rock at Galvihara are particularly impressive. Following your extensive tour, it is just a short bus ride—less than an hour—to reach your destination for the day, Sigiriya. Overnight stay at hotel.

2 nights in Sigiriya

(Driving distance: approx. 180 km; driving time: approx. 4.5 hours)

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Climb up Sigiriya’s Lion Rock & "Cloud Maidens" of Sigiriya (UNESCO World Heritage Site) • Easy hike through forests and farmland • Picnic with a view of Sigiriya Rock

Today, we rise before sunrise and head to the famous Lion Rock of Sigiriya. The climb (approx. 1hour, moderate difficulty) takes us up a staggering 1,270 steps—some of them dizzyingly steep—making for a real workout. Fortunately, we are setting out before the heat of the day kicks in, and there are plenty of opportunities to pause along the way. Don’t miss the famous "Cloud Maiden" frescoes in a covered side passage halfway up! Finally, we reach the summit and the palace fortress that King Kassapa had built atop the 200-meter-high rock in the 5th century. We explore the site with your tour guide and take in the view; in clear weather, you can see all the way to the coast! You’ll realize the early start was well worth it when we return and walk past the long line of people waiting at the entrance. Back at the hotel, we’ve certainly earned our breakfast. You will make an early start today, as a special highlight of Sri Lanka awaits you: the impressive Sigiriya Rock.

In the afternoon, you will set out again to explore the surrounding area on foot. On an easy hike, you will traverse forests and farmland, walking through small rural villages and along picturesque lakes (easy; 7 km; walking time: approx. 2.5 hours. Along the way, your guide will be happy to tell you more about the crops and spices grown here, as well as the traditional cultivation and processing methods still in use today. Afterwards, you will enjoy a picnic lunch with a view of Sigiriya Rock in the distance. Overnight stay at a hotel in Sigiriya.

(Driving distance: approx. 35 km; driving time: approx. 1 hour)

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Visit to the Dambulla Cave Temples • Leisure Time

After Breakfast, you will leave the Cultural Triangle and head south. After a short drive, we reach the cave temples of Dambulla (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The journey begins with a climb up some rather steep steps leading to the rock summit. However, the impressive cave temples—featuring vibrant wall paintings that depict religious scenes from the life of Buddha—quickly make us forget the initial exertion. During an extensive tour of the finest temples and Buddha statues, our guide explains their significance. Afterward, we continue our journey and, following a drive of approximately two and a half hours, arrive in the afternoon at Mahiyangana—an impressive region well off the beaten tourist path. Our hotel is idyllically situated by Lake Mapakada. Upon arrival, there is time to take a dip in the pool or enjoy a refreshing drink in the garden. Weather permitting, you can take an optional boat trip on the lake at dusk; watching the sunset over the water with the Namunukula Mountains in the background is an unforgettable experience. Overnight stay at Hotel.

1 Night in Mahiyangana

(Driving distance: approx. 125 km; driving time: approx. 2-3 hour)

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Hike to Rathna Ella Waterfall • View Point at Corbett’s Gap

Today your day begins with a hike (2 hours, easy) to the impressive Rathna Ella Waterfall—a hidden natural gem set amidst a virtually untouched landscape. The route follows accessible paths, winding partly through dense jungle, accompanied by the sound of a nearby stream and the chirping of exotic birds. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to refresh yourself in the stream's clear water. However, swimming is not permitted, as the water serves as a source of drinking water. For those seeking a thrill, there is the option to climb the rocks in front of the waterfall—a small adrenaline rush offering spectacular views. After this nature experience, a special culinary break awaits: at a small, sustainable restaurant nearby, we enjoy freshly prepared roti and traditional tea. Great emphasis is placed on eco-friendliness here; instead of plates and cutlery, the food is served on large leaves, accompanied by leaf stalks used as natural utensils. A feast for the senses! Then, the call of nature beckons; we take a bus ride of just under two hours to the Knuckles range, our home for the next two days. We make a photo stop at the Corbett’s Gap viewpoint, where the Knuckles lie spread out before us, offering a truly unique panorama. We arrive at our accommodation in the afternoon. We are staying in triple and quadruple rooms within simple cabins. However, the magnificent surrounding nature and spectacular views more than make up for the lack of luxury amenities. In the evening you will have free time so you can walk into nature. Stay overnight at a hotel.

2 Nights in Knuckles

(Driving distance: approx. 70 km; driving time: approx. 1-2 hours)

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Hike in the Knuckles Range • Leisure Time • Cooking class in the evening

Today your hike (4–5 hours, easy to moderate) along the Kumbukgolla Trail takes us through deep forests and past rice terraces, vibrant green tea plantations, and secluded villages. We pause at a waterfall to enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the idyllic scenery; those who wish can cool off in the water. We return to our accommodation in the afternoon, leaving time to settle in with a good book or simply soak up the view. Then, you will join a cooking class in the evening: at your accommodation, you will get an insight into Sinhalese cuisine and you can also prepare your own dinner. Overnight Stay at Hotel in Knuckles.

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Victoria Reservoir Viewpoints • Tour of Kandy featuring the market • The Temple of the Tooth • Kandy Lake • Kandy dance show

Today Sri Lanka’s second-largest city awaits. The picturesque Milk Lake, the colonial Old Town, the enchanting Temple of the Tooth, and the lush green mountain ranges in the background captivate every visitor. Before arriving at Kandy will stop at Victoria Reservoir Viewpoints. The Victoria Reservoir is a major man-made lake in central Sri Lanka. The dam that forms the reservoir is an impressive double-curvature arch dam, the tallest of its kind in Sri Lanka, standing about 122 meters high. The reservoir extends roughly 8 kilometers at full supply level and holds a gross storage capacity exceeding 700 million cubic meters of water. You will arrive in Kandy around lunchtime, leaving time for a quick bite to eat. In the afternoon after check in you explore the city together: visiting the market, strolling past shrines and temples, watching local artists at work in their shops, and visiting the famous Temple of the Tooth. For security reasons, no one actually sees the real tooth of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), but we can view the casket up close; those who wish to do so can place flowers before the sacred shrine or light an oil lamp—it’s said to bring good luck! Out of respect for the holy site, we remove our shoes and ensure our shoulders and legs are covered and beside the Temple you will see Kandy Lake, also known as Kiri Muhuda (“Sea of Milk”), is an artificial lake located in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka. Built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe beside the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, it remains a serene centerpiece of the city and a symbol of its royal and Buddhist heritage. The evening offers lighter entertainment: we attend a traditional dance performance — let yourself be enchanted by the colorful costumes, elaborate masks, and music! Overnight stay at a hotel.

2 Nights in Kandy

(Distance: approx. 60 kms; Travel time: approx. 1 hour)

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Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage • Royal Botanical Garden Peredeniya

After breakfast at the hotel visit Pinnawala elephant orphanage, This Orphanage Approx 40 kms from Colombo, off the Colombo – Kandy Road is Pinnawala, where an orphanage was started in 1975 to house the abandoned and the wounded elephants. The number of elephants has increased to more than 65 now, including Baby Elephants brought from various parts, as well as some of the more than 25 babies born as a result of the captive breeding programme. The best time to visit is the feeding time from 0930-1000 hrs and 1330-1400 hrs and the bathing time from 1000-1030 hrs and 1400-1430 hrs when all the elephants are taken to the river close by.

Thereafter visit Royal Botanical Garden Peredeniya, known as Royal Botanical Garden (The excursion will take approx: 2 hrs) \147 acres in extent; Started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the Kings of Gampola and Kandy. There are more than 4,000 species of trees, plants and creepers. Some rare and endemic as well as flora from the tropical world are found in the gardens. Spice Garden and Orchid House are popular with tourists. There are 5 Palm Avenues beautifying the gardens, the earliest and tallest Palm Avenue (Royal Palm Avenue) was planted in 1905 and the Double Coconuts from the Seashells Island, with the largest seed of all plants in the world are one such avenue. On completion return to the hotel. Stay overnight at a hotel in Kandy.

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Tea Plantation & Factory Walk Around Colonial Town

On the scenic route to Haputale, we first stop—after about an hour’s drive—at a tea plantation with an adjoining factory. There, we gain insights into tea cultivation and expert processing methods, and with a bit of luck, we might even strike up a conversation with a tea picker. Naturally, there is also time to sample a cup of authentic Ceylon tea. Around midday, we arrive in Nuwara Eliya, the "City of Light." "Nurelia," as the locals call it. There we will walk around Nuwara Eliya Town. This Town is also known as ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, retains a distinctly British feel to this day, featuring half-timbered houses, Victorian hotels, typical English lawns, well-kept golf courses, red rhododendrons, and cypress trees. The weather often mirrors this atmosphere, too—with fine drizzle, thick banks of mist, and a coolness that is surprisingly pleasant for the hot tropics. During a brief tour of the town, we visit the British-style post office and other Victorian-era buildings. In the afternoon, our bus takes us on a two-hour drive to Haputale, where we wind down the day with dinner. Overnight stay at Hotel.

2 Nights in Haputale

(Distance: approx. 120 kms; Travel time: approx. 4 hour)

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Train ride to Idalgashinna • Visit to a kindergarten • Hike through the Haputale mountains to Bambarakanda Falls • Lunch near the waterfall

Haputale is surrounded by lush vegetation, pine forests, waterfalls, and streams and it serves as an ideal starting point for our explorations. After breakfast, we board the train for a scenic ride—sharing the journey with countless commuters—lasting just under half an hour to Idalgashinna. Perched high on a mountain plateau in the Haputale range, this small village is almost cut off from the outside world. Our first stop is the local kindergarten (closed on weekends and during school holidays); those who wish to bring small gifts will be rewarded with the children's beaming smiles. Next, we set off on our hike (4–5 hours, easy to moderate). The route takes us through magnificent, rolling mountain scenery, past tea plantations and remote villages. A major highlight is the Bambarakanda Waterfall—at nearly 250 meters, the highest in the country. All that fresh air works up an appetite, making the authentic lunch served near the waterfall a welcome treat. In the late afternoon, a bus takes you back to your hotel—a journey of about an hour. Overnight Stay at Hotel in Haputale.

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Buduruwagala • Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara • free time in Tissamaharama

Today after breakfast you will head south. We interrupt our four-hour journey halfway through for an interesting stopover: in the middle of the jungle are the impressive Buddha statues of Buduruwagala, carved into the rock. Renowned for its towering statues hewn into a cliff face, it reflects the island’s Mahayana Buddhist heritage from the 9th–10th centuries CE and remains one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive examples of rock sculpture. Then you will resume your Journey to Tissamaharama in afternoon there you will visit Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara Stupa. Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist monastery and one of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka. It holds great historical and religious importance as a major monastic center during the early Anuradhapura period and later check in your hotel, which is embedded in nature and has a wonderful pool. Here we can switch off and unwind for the rest of the day. Overnight stay at Hotel.

2 Nights in Tissamaharama

(Distance: approx. 110 kms; Travel time: approx. 4 hour)

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Visit Kataragama Pilgrimage Site • Jeep Safari in Yala National Park

After Breakfast you will leave enroute to Kataragama and Yala. As followers of all religions in Sri Lanka worship the pilgrimage site Kataragama. At the most important shrine, the holy shrine of the god Skanda, many pilgrims dance and sing themselves in a trance and it is not uncommon for the penitents to chastise themselves, for example by piercing their tongues. With a bit of luck, we will witness such spiritual acts during our visit. You can then rest a bit at the hotel before a three-hour Jeep safari awaits you in the afternoon: You will discover the nature of the Yala National Park in Jeep. Elephants, deer, bears, crocodiles, up to 205 different species of birds and even 40 leopards live here. We are very likely to run into elephants, and we will also see many birds. However, we need good luck for bears, crocodiles or leopards. After this ride you will drive back to the hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel Tissamaharama.

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Sightseeing in Galle • Free Time on Bentota beach

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Bentota. Enroute to Bentota you will make a stop at Galleforsightseeing. It’s one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful cities. Home to 130,000 residents, this colonial city captivates visitors with its seaside location and an exceptionally well-preserved Old Town dating back to the 16th century, all enclosed by the walls of Galle Fort—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the city's southern tip lies the well-preserved Dutch Fort, featuring historic ramparts and a picturesque lighthouse (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The fortress, built by the Dutch in 1663, hides a nostalgic old town that is part of Sri Lanka's World Heritage Site. It is the largest surviving colonial fortress in South Asia and impresses with a mix of European and Asian architecture. Later a one-hour drive takes you to Bentota on the west coast.

Your hotel is located directly by the sea and invites you to relax. Jump into the water, maybe you'll be lucky and a sea turtle will appear next to you. Bentota is particularly popular with water sports enthusiasts and there is a wide range of leisure activities on offer. After just about 15 minutes on foot or just a few minutes by tuk tuk you will reach the core of the lively town, where there are countless restaurants and pubs. Overnight stay at a hotel.

2 Nights in Bentota

(Distance: approx. 190 kms; Travel time: approx. 4-5 hours)

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Leisure time at the beach hotel on the Indian Ocean

Enjoy the sweet art of doing nothing and treat yourself to pure relaxation! Situated right on the beach, the hotel offers plenty of ways to unwind and enjoy yourself. Spend your time exactly as you please: sleep in, relax with a good book, take a refreshing dip in the turquoise sea, or stroll along the vast sandy beach. Overnight stay at a hotel in Bentota.

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Morning after breakfast transfer to Colombo airport for the departure flight. (Distance: approx. 62 kms; Travel time: approx. 1 hour)